Can You Take Your Pet to Hawaii? Your Guide to the State’s Strict Guidelines

Pets are like members of our family, so it’s understandable that a lot of pet parents don’t want to leave their little buddies behind when they travel. You’ll want to think twice about that if you’re going to Hawaii, though. The state has the strictest rules in the country for importing animals. We’ll walk you through what’s forbidden, what’s possible, and what it takes to get the job done. Oh, and if you’re thinking about dodging the rules, don’t. The penalties are severe.

Why Does Hawaii Have Such Strict Rules?

Hawaii would not be the paradise it is if they allowed some of the animal problems of the mainland to get in. The islands have unique flora and fauna that need to be protected from invasive species and mainland diseases. There are no snakes in Hawaii, and the state wants to keep it that way, unlike the Florida Everglades, where invasive pet pythons have multiplied out of control. Hawaii has also successfully intercepted infected animals to remain rabies-free, so carnivores like dogs and cats must be quarantined to make sure they are not carriers. Rabies is a deadly threat not only to animals but to people.

Where to Find Hawaii’s Rules

We’re going to provide you with a broad summary of the rules for bringing animals to Hawaii, but there are many more fine details than we can describe here. Use this article to get a general sense of what is involved and whether, in your situation, you want to go through the hassle of bringing your pet. If so, then go to the State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division website for the complete rules, including links to checklists and necessary paperwork. Note there are separate checklists depending on which island you are visiting. If you don’t meet all the requirements on the checklist, your animal will be quarantined up to 120 days until the requirements are met or shipped back to the mainland at your expense.

Summary of Rules for Bringing a Dog or Cat

Here are the steps to bring your dog or cat with you to Hawaii:

• The Animal Quarantine Station must receive all required documents at least 10 days before you arrive on Oahu (or 30 days before arrival at Hawaii, Maui, or Kauai). This includes the Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-279, original rabies certificates for 2 vaccinations, and a health certificate.
• The animal must have an electronic microchip. If yours already has one, have your vet scan it to make sure it is still working. You’ll need to include the microchip number on the documentation.
• Get proof from your vet of your animal’s vaccination at least twice in their life against rabies. These vaccinations must have been at least 30 days apart.
• Get your animal the FAVN rabies antibody test at one of the labs on Hawaii’s approved list. Do this no more than 3 years and no less than 30 days from your arrival in Hawaii. Submit the successful blood test results showing your animal is rabies-free from your vet.
• Do not bring your pet to the state until 30 days have passed after their FAVN test. Otherwise, the animal will be quarantined at your expense.
• A veterinarian must treat the animal with a long-lasting tick-killer. You must provide certification that you’ve completed this step 14 days or less before arrival.
• Animals must arrive at the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Inspection hours may change without notice.
• There is a fee of $185 for direct airport release or $244 for 5-day or less release.

What About Service Dogs?

Hawaii has some simplified procedures for service dogs. These are defined as professionally trained dogs that provide guidance and support to a person with a physical, intellectual, or mental disability. Emotional support animals that provide psychological comfort or guard dogs that protect a person from crime do not qualify. Here are the rules for bringing a service dog to Hawaii:

• A licensed service dog trainer must have completed the dog’s training. Dogs still in training do not qualify.
• The dog must have a current rabies vaccination.
• It must have a working electronic microchip.
• It must pass the OIE-FAVN rabies antibody test.
• You must submit a health certificate issued no more than 30 days before arrival. It must state that a veterinarian treated the animal with a long-lasting tick treatment. The treatment must have taken place no more than 14 days before arrival.
• You must disclose what tasks the animal performs for the person with disabilities.
• The dog must be traveling with the person it serves.
• You must notify the Rabies Quarantine Branch at least 24 hours before arrival. You must also provide the address where the animal will be staying in Hawaii.
• Upon arrival, the owner must bring the dog to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility for inspection before release.

What About Other Kinds of Pets?

Surprisingly enough, it is possible to import a variety of animals, some of them quite unexpected, to Hawaii, and there are special guidelines to follow for each. These include some kinds of birds and poultry, cattle, sheep, horses, goats, swine, turtles, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, rats, and some kinds of aquarium fish. Wanna bring your alpaca, llama, elk, water buffalo, or bison? Sure, why not? There are procedures to follow for each. But if you’re into snakes or lizards, you’re out of luck. Importing them to snake-free Hawaii is strictly forbidden.

What If I Break the Rules?

Of course, it might seem perfectly clear to you that your animal does not have rabies, that you’re not going to let it get away from you, and after all, as TikTok says, “this dog is a tiny dog.” We’re not even going to speculate about how you might pull off animal smuggling, but we do know what will happen if you get caught. The penalty for illegally importing an animal into Hawaii is a fine of up to a half million dollars and up to 3 years in prison. And taking your pet to Hawaii is nothing compared to trying to take it to jail with you!